Edith Clasper, assisted by Nelson Snow and Charles Columbus, in “Love Steps,” took the class laurels by far. It is a full stage dancing act, before a gorgeous silk cyclorama, with scenic effects. Miss Clasper dances her way around the audiences and into their hearts. When she appeared at the Majestic several weeks ago she used a wedding bell novelty which she has eliminated for a small time.
Ray Conlin stepped out and got ‘em off the go. Ray has some very clever material and some old gags, but he puts it all over in showmanly style, and makes the audience like it. He proved the laughing hit of the show.
Fred Hughes and Co. followed. He sings popular numbers and is assisted by a male piano player. After singing several numbers, Hughes does “For a Boy That’s on the Level,” by “request,” and then tells the audience to go home and hear it on the Columbia record. He has a sweet tenor voice, and outs his songs over extremely well. He went off with a big hand, but didn’t return for an encore.
Payton and Lum, two boys, started show but mopped up later. They come out in hunting costumes, one doing Jew, the other straight. With a few minor changes this act could hold down an early spot on the two-a-day.
George and May Da Glen came next but had a hard time of it. The male member does a “drunk” character, but this style of character does not seem to go here. He is a clever performer and is worthy of a better vehicle. The woman sings and dances and makes five changes.
Century Seranaders, another big timer, followed Darcy. There are five men in cowboy attire with special set in full. They play everything from an accordion to a bass viol and sure do play these instruments. They also give an impression of an old-time school act and finish with “The Livery Stable Blues” playing like five maniacs, The act closed the show and held the audience.
Joe Darcy ran away with all honors of the bill and had to come out to make a speech in order to stop the racket. This black-facer got ’em right off the go and tantalizing mode of putting over his songs and gags made the audience beg for more. Darcy is of big time class, and was last seen here at the State-Lake.
“When Ella Comes to Town,” a comedy skit with a touch of melodrama, took a couple of curtains. From the title one would never think the scene takes place in a notorious cabaret in New York. The cabaret owner tries to blackmail a rich old geezer, but is foiled by Ella, who turns out to be the rich man’s wife, and who had just come to town for wild time. The theme is well handled and should do well in the small houses.
Billy Smythe, assisted by a dainty pianist, sang a few seemingly unappreciated songs and closed with “The Americans Are Coming.” With this and the orchestra playing “Stars and Stripes.” Smythe got hand.
